Myeloproliferative disorders is the name for a group of conditions that cause blood cells -- platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells -- to grow abnormally in the bone marrow. Though myeloproliferative disorders are serious, and may pose certain health risks, people with these conditions often live for many years after diagnosis. The prognosis largely depends on the type of disorder.

Myeloproliferative disorders include:

Polycythemia vera -- occurs when the bone marrow produces too many blood cells, especially red blood cells. More than 95% of people with polycythemia vera carry the blood mutation JAK2V617F.

Essential thrombocytosis -- occurs when the body produces too many platelet cells, which help blood to clot. Clots can block blood vessels leading to heart attack or stroke.

Primary or idiopathic myelofibrosis, also known as myelosclerosis -- occurs when the bone marrow produces too much collagen or fibrous tissue in the bone marrow. This reduces bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells.

Many people with myeloproliferative disorders have no symptoms when their doctors first make the diagnosis. One symptom shared by all myeloproliferative disorders, with the exception of essential thrombocytosis, is an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen can cause abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.

Some signs and symptoms of the different types of myeloproliferative disorders include:

Polycythemia vera

Fatigue, general malaise

Trouble breathing

Intense itching after bathing in warm water

Stomach aches

Purple spots or patches on the skin

Nosebleeds, gum or stomach bleeding, or blood in the urine

Throbbing and burning pain in the skin, often with darkened, blotchy areas

Headache and problems with vision

High blood pressure

Blockage of blood vessels. This may cause heart disease, stroke, or gangrene (tissue death) of the arms and legs.

Essential thrombocytosis

Heart attack or stoke

Headache

Burning or throbbing pain, redness, and swelling of the hands and feet

A sign shared by all myeloproliferative disorders, with the exception of essential thrombocytosis, is an enlarged spleen. Your doctor may detect an enlarged spleen during a routine physical examination. In addition to doing a physical exam, the doctor may also conduct the following tests:

Blood tests -- to find abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells. They can also detect anemia and leukemia.

Bone marrow biopsy -- your doctor may take a sample of bone marrow after blood tests. It can show the presence of abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells and may detect certain types of anemia and cancer in the marrow.

Cytogenetic analysis -- your doctor may view blood or bone marrow are viewed under a microscope to look for changes in the chromosomes.

Interferon -- helps the immune system combat cancer cells. Used only if bone marrow transplant is not an option.

Chemotherapy -- drugs such as cyclophosamide and cytarabine are often combined with other treatments to kill cancer cells.

Recently, preliminary studies have suggested that two agents -- imitinib and dasatinib -- are effective treatments for CML.

Surgery and Other Procedures

With primary myelofibrosis, CML, and late stage polycythemia vera, blood cells are produced in sites other than the bone marrow, such as the liver and spleen. That causes these organs to get bigger. When enlargement of the spleen becomes painful, the person may have surgery to remove it.

In very serious cases of primary myelofibrosis, the person may undergo a stem cell transplant. In this procedure, abnormal stem cells (cells that manufacture blood cells) in the bone marrow are replaced with healthy stem cells. A stem cell transplant has life-threatening risks, however. In one study, 5-year survival was 62% in patients younger than 45 years and 14% in those that were older.

For people with CML, a bone marrow transplant may be an option. After either a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, the healthy bone marrow cells begin to grow and produce healthy blood cells.

Phlebotomy -- removing some blood from the body -- may lower the risk of stroke in people with polycythemia vera. It is the primary therapy in polycythemia vera, and it's the only treatment that has improved survival. People with anemia may need blood transfusions. In one study, researchers suggest that low dose aspirin (81-325 mg/day) may lower the risk of blood clots in people with polycythemia vera.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

A treatment plan for myeloproliferative disorders may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Ask your team of health care providers about the best ways to incorporate these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional cancer treatments.

Myeloproliferative disorders need conventional medical treatment. There aren't any supplements that can specifically help with these conditions. However, following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise may help to keep your body strong while coping with a myeloproliferative disorder. Try these tips:

Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).

A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 - 3 tablespoonfuls oil, 1 - 3 times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources, but you may need to take supplements to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. If you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix), talk to your doctor. Omega-3 fatty acids may increase bleeding.

Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, when needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results. People with weakened immune systems or those who take drugs to suppress the immune system should ask their doctor before taking probiotics.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, you should always ask your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements. No herbs have been studied specifically for myeloproliferative disorders, but the following herbs may help your general health:

Indirubin (Indigofera tinctoria) -- In case reports, indirubin showed positive results in treating CML long-term. However, no scientific studies have been done on using indirubin for CML. Indirubin is from the indigo plant and is included in a traditional Chinese herb formula that has been used historically to treat CML. Not much is known about the safety of indirubin. Ask your doctor before taking it and only use under the guidance of a knowledgeable prescriber.

Olive leaf (Olea europaea) -- for anticancer and immune effects. People with diabetes and high blood pressure should ask their doctor before taking olive leaf.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) -- for pain and inflammation. Do not use turmeric if you have gallbladder problems. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.